Timeline of Key Policy Events Supporting Working Families

Work Projects Administration (WPA)

This legislation originally called Progress Administration and renamed in 1939, was the largest New Deal agency; it employed millions to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads and the operation of literacy projects. It was funded by Congress with the passage of the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 (48 Stat. 1055).

Jul 5th, 1935

The National Labor Relations Act of 1935

Governs how employers may treat workers in the private sector who create labor unions, engage in collective bargaining, and take part in strikes and other forms of activity in support of their demands. Established the National Labor Relations Board, which investigates and decides on charges of unfair labor practices. The Board also looks into matters such as better training for employees and the development of standard procedures in different occupational areas. 29 U.S.C. § 151-169

Aug 14th, 1935

Social Security Act of 1935

This law was passed as part of the New Deal in an attempt to address dangers faced by the elderly, those in poverty, and the unemployed. The Act provided benefits to retirees and the unemployed, as well as a lump-sum benefit at death. 42 U.S.C. ch. 7

Jun 25th, 1938

The Fair Labor Standards Act

This law established a national minimum wage, guaranteed at least “time and a half” for overtime in certain jobs, and prohibited most employment of minors. 29 U.S.C. 201 et seq.

Jun 10th, 1963

Equal Pay Act of 1963

This law amended the Fair Labor Standards Act and was aimed at abolishing wage disparity based on sex. 29 U.S.C. 206 et seq.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967

This law protects individuals who are at least forty years of age from employment discrimination based on age. 29 U.S.C. § 621 et seq.

Sep 26th, 1973

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

This law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment and in the employment practices of federal contractors. PL 93-112 (Employment Provisions codified at 29 U.S.C. § 701 et seq.)

Dec 28th, 1973

The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act

This law was enacted in 1973 and provided work to the long-term unemployed in public agencies or private, not for profit organizations as well as provided summer work to low income high school students. The intent of this law was to teach workers marketable skills that would allow them to move to an unsubsidized job. The Job Training Partnership Act later repealed this law.

Sep 2nd, 1974

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974

This law established minimum standards for pension plans in private industry and provided for extensive rules on the federal income tax effects of transactions associated with employee benefit plans. It was enacted to protect the interests of employee benefit plan participants and their beneficiaries by establishing standards of conduct for plan fiduciaries. 29 U.S.C. § 1001 et seq.

Apr 29th, 1975

Earned Income Tax Credit

This legislation, enacted in 1975 and later expanded by subsequent tax legislation, provides a refundable tax credit for low and middle-income persons and families. 26 U.S.C. § 32 et seq.

Jul 23rd, 1978

The Federal Employees Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act of 1978

This law authorized the use of alternative and compressed work schedules in the federal government. 5 U.S.C. § 6120 et seq.

Oct 13th, 1978

Federal Employees Part-Time Career Employment Act of 1978

This law allowed and encouraged greater use of part-time options for federal employees to work less than the traditional 40-hour workweek. 5 U.S.C. § 3401 et seq.

Oct 31st, 1978

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978

This law amended the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit sex discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. 42 U.S.C. § 2000e(k)

Aug 13th, 1981

The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981

This tax cutting legislation included, among the key provisions, the lowering of the marriage penalty tax for families with two working spouses and the expansion of individual retirement arrangements to all working people. PL 97-34 (Codified in Title 26 of the U.S. Code)

Oct 13th, 1982

The Job Training Partnership Act of 1982

The successor of the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act established federal programs to prepare youth and unskilled adults for entry in to the labor force and to provide job training to economically disadvantaged individuals. It was repealed by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

Aug 4th, 1988

The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988

This law protects employees, their families, and communities by requiring most employers to provide advance notice of plant closings and mass layoffs to give employees a short amount of time to receive training and look for other employment. 29 U.S.C. 2101

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Family Medical Leave Act of 1993

This law requires employers with at least 50 employees to provide job-protected unpaid time off to employees who work at least 1250 hours in the previous 12 months for the birth or adoption of a child or to care for the serious health condition of oneself or one’s immediate family member. 29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.

Sep 7th, 1993

National Performance Review Report

Among other things, this report highlighted the federal government’s limited use of family-friendly workplace policies and recommended the use of additional flexible work arrangements.

May 10th, 1994

Presidential Declaration of Labor History Month

President Clinton’s Proclamation 6688 declared the month of May 1994 as Labor History Month to highlight the importance of studying the history of labor to understand the foundations of work life in America: the 8 hour day, the forty hour week, security in unemployment and old age, protection for the sick and injured, equal employment opportunity, protection for children and health and safety.

Jul 11th, 1994

Presidential Memorandum on Expanding Family-Friendly Work Arrangements in the Executive Branch

President Clinton issues a memorandum directing executive agencies to encourage flexible work arrangements.

Aug 26th, 1994

Women’s Equality Day

President Clinton’s Proclamation 6715 declared August 26, 1994 as Women’s Equality Day to commemorate the ratification of the 19th Amendment and to honor the important contributions and achievements of women in this country and commit to fulfilling obligations to promote equality for all Americans.

Oct 13th, 1994

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

This law provides up to five years of job protection for the civilian employment of employees who are not full time military service members, but are called to active duty. 38 U.S.C. § 4301 et seq.

Dec 2nd, 1994

Federal Family Friendly Leave Act of 1994

Federal Family Friendly Leave Act of 1994: This law allows federal employees to take time off in instances of medical need or death of family members. PL 103-3

Jun 21st, 1996

Presidential Memorandum on Implementing Federal Family Friendly Work Arrangements

Department of Labor Regional Working Women’s Summits

The Women’s Bureau of the Department of Labor held the first of 20 regional Working Women’s summits. Topics included elder care, the “glass ceiling,” fair pay, pensions, life-long learning, and workplace flexibility.

Apr 17th, 1997

White House Conference on Early Child Development and Child Care

The White House Conference on Early Child Development and Child Care highlighted the benefits of early nurturing parents.

Aug 5th, 1997

The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997

The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997: This law amends the tax code to include a new tax benefit to families through the Per Child Tax Credit, a refundable credit that especially benefits many lower-income families. PL 105-34

Apr 1st, 1998

Meeting the Needs of Today’s Workforce: Child Care Best Practices

During a White House Ceremony, President Clinton released Meeting the Needs of Today’s Workforce: Child Care Best Practices, a publication by the Department of Labor Women’s Bureau that highlighted 40 innovative child care programs initiated by employers across the country to address the needs of working parents.

May 1st, 1998

Work and Elder Care: Facts for Caregivers and Their Employers.

The Department of Labor Women’s Bureau released the publication Work and Elder Care: Facts for Caregivers and Their Employers.

Aug 7th, 1998

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998: Replacing the Job Training Partnership Act and certain other federal job training laws, this law created a new national workforce investment system in part by trying to entice businesses to participate in the local delivery of workforce development services. PL105-220

Apr 1st, 1999

Federal Caregivers Conference

The Office of Personnel and Management sponsored a caregivers conference that addressed the issues and challenges older persons will face in the 21st century.

May 1st, 1999

Federal Child Care Summit

The Office of Personnel Management hosted the first Federal Child Care Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, which brought together experts and professionals from the private and public sectors to provide solutions for quality, affordable childcare.

May 24th, 1999

New Tools to Help Parents Balance Work and Family

By memorandum, President Clinton directed the Secretary of Labor to promulgate regulations that permit states to create ways to use the unemployment compensation system to support parents taking time off after the birth or adoption of a child. The regulations, which were repeated under President Bush, allowed states to create ways for parents to obtain unemployment compensation for the first year a child was with the family.

May 28th, 2003

Jobs and Growth Tax Act of 2003

The Jobs and Growth Tax Act of 2003 amended the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax incentives to encourage economic growth, including changes to allow for greater credits for families with children. PL108-27

Sep 5th, 2003

National Work and Family Month Resolution

This resolution designated October as National Work and Family Month and urged public officials and employers to work together to achieve more balance between work and family. S.Res.210

Oct 22nd, 2004

American Jobs Creation Act of 2004

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 amended the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to promote manufacturing, service, and high technology businesses and workers being more competitive and productive at home and abroad. This law compensated for lost benefits by permanently cutting corporate tax rates for domestic manufacturers, producers, farmers, and small corporations as well as provided pro-growth tax incentives, among other tax provisions. PL108-357

Oct 30th, 2004

Federal Workforce Flexibility Act of 2004

The Federal Workforce Flexibility Act of 2004 provided reform for federal employment in the area of pay. The law included limitations on pay, bonus information, and reporting requirements for the federal government. PL108-411

Corporate Voices' CEO Statement of Support for Expanding Workplace Flexibility

Six top executives signed the Corporate Voices CEO Statement of Support for Expanding Workplace Flexibility stating that they believe in flexibility as a beneficial management tool and that they were committed to expanding flexibility in their workplaces. Additionally, these CEOs agreed to continue to provide leadership in communicating the benefits of workplace flexibility policies to others.

Dec 1st, 2005

Model Workplace Supports for Lower-Wage Employees Toolkit

Corporate Voices created the Model Workplace Supports for Lower-Wage Employees Toolkit to provide information about programs that demonstrate the importance of hourly employees to a company and also help those workers with financial and family issues that affect their ability to perform optimally on the job. This Toolkit is updated regularly, most recently on February 18, 2010.

Dec 11th, 2005

White House Conference on Aging

Held Dec. 11-14, the White House Conference on Aging brought 1200 delegates together to make recommendations to the President and Congress on how best to guide national aging policies. A number of recommendations related to economic security and workplace flexibility were issued in 2006.

May 1st, 2006

Creation of tje Interagency Taskforce on the Aging of the American Workforce

Career Patterns Initiative

The Office of Personnel Management began the Career Patterns Initiative to find new approaches to bring the next generation into federal government positions. The initiative helped federal agencies promote “flexibilities,” including flexible work arrangements, part time employment, and mid-career entry.

Sep 22nd, 2006

Youthbuild Transfer Act

The Youthbuild Transfer Act amended the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to provide for a Youthbuild Program to give disadvantaged youth opportunities for employment, education, leadership development, and training. Additionally, this law promoted the rehabilitation or construction of housing for homeless individuals and low-income families. PL109-281

Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007

The Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007 extended the Work Opportunity Tax Credit through August 31, 2011. PL110-28

Aug 1st, 2008

Bipartisan Senate Study Group on Workplace Flexibility

Co-chaired by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AK), the Bipartisan Senate Study Group on Workplace Flexibility was established to explore the most up-to-date research, policy and business practices on flexible work arrangement. The Study Group also provided staff with an opportunity for meaningful discussion on how increased access to flexibility can help both businesses and employees.

Sep 1st, 2008

Best of Congress 2008 Award

Corporate Voices for Working Families and Working Mother Media, Inc. launched the inaugural Best of Congress Award to spotlight congressional leadership in working family issues. 24 Senators and Representatives were recognized for taking leadership on legislation supporting working families, promoting family-friendly policies, and providing workplace flexibility to their own employees via model office policies.

ADA Amendments Act of 2008

National Work and Family Month Designation

The House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1440 by unanimous consent, designating October as National Work and Family Month.

Nov 4th, 2008

2008 Presidential Election

This was the first Presidential Election with platforms on workplace flexibility from both parties. Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain announces he would create a National Commission on Workplace Flexibility and Choice and support Head Start. Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama pledged to expand access to flexible work arrangements, paid sick days and leave, and make the federal government a model employer by allowing employees to request flexible arrangements.

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009

Amended several laws to allow challenges to compensation decisions to be brought when a victim becomes aware of the discrimination by changing the starting time from which the time limit on a claim is calculated. Previously, the time limit was calculated from the time of the first discriminatory act, without regard to when the employee learned about the discrimination. Now, time may be calculated from the distribution of each discriminatory check. PL111-2

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Among other things, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 appropriated funding to the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. IIt also creates the Disconnected Youth Employer Tax Credit to allow companies to save up to $2,400 per employee for hiring “disconnected youth,” while at the same time tapping into a new talent pool and providing young adults with onramps to the labor force. PL111-5

Mar 11th, 2009

White House Council on Women and Girls Created

The White House Council on Women and Girls was created by Executive Order 13506. Chaired by senior advisor and assistant to the president for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, Valerie Jarrett, the Council provided a coordinated federal response to the challenges faced by women and girls and to ensure that all agencies consider how their policies and programs impact women and families.

Apr 21st, 2009

Serve America Act

Among other things, the Serve America Act appropriated money to fund grant programs on workforce readiness and training. The law created an education corps to reach out to low income communities to increase student engagement and achievements for a higher graduation success rate. The law also established summer and mentoring programs for students to volunteer in their communities and earn funds for college tuition. PL111-13

Bipartisan Senate Study Group on Workplace Flexibility

The Bipartisan Senate Study Group on Workplace Flexibility asked selected advocacy groups to submit a short statement of their work-life priorities to help them work towards “expanding access to workplace flexibility [that] will result in better businesses, a stronger workforce and healthier families.”

Oct 14th, 2009

National Work and Family Month 2009

October 2009 was designated as “National Work and Family Month.” The Senate and House of Representatives both recognized the importance of work schedules that allow employees to spend time with their families, to perform jobs productively, and to healthy families. The resolution urged public officials, employers, employees, and the general public to work together to achieve more balance between work and family. S. Res. 296, H.Res.768

Mar 23rd, 2010

Section 4207 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

A major health care reform bill, included amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act. This section required employers to provide a place outside of public view within the worksite for employees to lactate. The employer must also allow for reasonable break times for breast milk expression for one year after the birth of the employee’s child each time the employee has the need to express milk. PL111-148

Mar 30th, 2010

Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010

Among other things, the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 increased funds to community college and career training programs, reformed student loans to make tuition money more readily available, and increased caps on existing grant money available for other training and education programs. PL111-152

Mar 31st, 2010

National Workplace Flexibility Campaign Launch: Ensuring Success for the 21st Century

White House Forum on Workplace Flexibility

The White House Forum on Workplace Flexibility brought individuals from the business community, policy experts, employees, and administration officials together to recognize best practices and find solutions to flexibility issues so that employees can meet the demands of their jobs and their families.

Apr 15th, 2010

Best Companies for Hourly Workers

Corporate Voices and Working Mother Media, Inc. launched the Best Companies for Hourly Workers Awards. The Awards highlighted companies with the most beneficial practices for hourly workers. Applicants were judged based on the provision of benefits, training, development and advancement programs, child care, and flexibility programs, among other things.

House Democratic Caucus Congressional Task Force on Competitiveness hosted a business leaders forum to devise ways to create good-paying jobs in industries of the future. The Congressional Task Force on Competitiveness hosted the forum to learn about issues that affect American competitiveness in order to create policies that encourage more jobs in America. Topics included education, trade, tax, infrastructure and how America can lead the world in innovation and economic prosperity.

2010 Best of Congress Award

The Best of Congress Awards were created and given out by Corporate Voices for Working Families in partnership with Working Mother Media, Inc. to highlight excellence in improving the lives of working families through legislation and advocacy as well as members who have model employment practices in their own small offices. 30 recipients from both sides of the aisle were recognized as being Best of Congress for Work-Life.

Sep 27th, 2010

U.S. Senate Designates October 2010 as National Work and Family Month

The Senate designated October 2010 as National Work and Family Month. This reflected a Senate recognition that flexible work schedules that allow employees to spend time with their families contribute to healthy families as well as job productivity. The Senate urged public officials, employers, employees, and the general public to work together to achieve more balance between work and family. S. Res.618

Oct 5th, 2010

White House Summit on Community Colleges

Chaired by Dr. Jill Biden, the White House Summit on Community Colleges brought leaders from community colleges, business, philanthropy, and the government together to discuss job training and other educational needs. At the Summit, the Department of Labor recognized community colleges as a key factor in our country’s secondary education system, and developer of marketable job skills in workers.

Oct 15th, 2010

Corporate Voices publishes From an Ill-Prepared to a Well-Prepared Workforce: The Shared Imperatives for Employers and Community Colleges to Collaborate